Role of new security guard at HSC emergency room unclear, MGEU argues

The union representing security officersat a Winnipeg hospital rocked by a series of violent assaults says hiring another guard won't make a big difference because they cannot intervene physically.

An internal memo detailing the Health Sciences Centre's response to escalating physical violence at the hospital states the new guard is not expected to respond physically, exceptin cases of self-defence or an "egregious event" where an officer's "moral duty to assist" would take over.

Based on that directive, it isn't clear when security guards can step in,theManitobaGovernment and General Employees' Union is arguing.

"It doesn't make a difference," said president Michelle Gawronsky. "Add 15 bodies, ifthey don't have the authority to provide the protection, they don't have the authority."

The new hire comes only days after CBCNews released a video of a patient attacking three security officers and a nurse on Aug. 31. The attack, likely fuelled by meth,police say,renewed calls for more support for security, on-site police and even metal detectors to protect against rising violence.

Watch video of HSCpatient's attack onstaff:

Patient goes on violent rampage against staff at HSC

6 years ago

Duration 0:18

The CBC obtained this footage of an incident that occurred at the Health Sciences Centre on Aug. 31.

The email describingthe newguard's responsibilities statesthe additional officer will be stationed at the entrance to the adult emergency room to "provide a safer work environment for all staff."

The guard fromthe Gardasecurity firmcannot leave their post, and must direct people entering the emergency departmentto an appropriate area, according to the memo obtained by CBCNews.

The officerwill not receive a radio because of their proximity to other security guards, the memostates.

Mixed messages

Gawronskysaid staff need clarity on what they can and can't do.

"They're definitely getting mixed messages. When there is a violent situation happening do we or don't we intervene? They don't have clear direction on what is required of them and we need to have that."

Health Minister CameronFriesen, meanwhile, is continuing to saythe direction to security guards is straightforward, after MGEU raised concerns last month. These officershave the ability, training and authority to get involved, he said.

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority said its security officers canintervene when individuals actviolently, but theymust adhere to thesame standard as police officers: any forcemust be reasonable and proportional to the scenario.

Gawronskydoesn't believe HSC's security officers have that mandate.

In short, she said,the new guard is a greeter at the door, who provides direction to visitors.No disrespect to them, she saidit's justthe job they have beenasked to do.

"Basically, they're doing traffic control," shesaid. "He doesn't have any authority. He doesn't wear the same uniform as the security officers. He doesn't even have a radio to be able to contact someone if something does happen."

'Moral obligation' raises questions

Gawronsky said she's aware of three instances where officers tried to intervene in violent situations but were reprimanded.

That doesn't jive with what the province and WRHAissaying, she said.

"Ifthere is a situation that happens, there's a moral obligation that's expected of them," Gawronsky said, referring tothe memo. "What exactly does that mean?"

Friesensaid he'spleased a new guard has been hired to enhance security.

"HSC security officers are highly trained, receive ongoing training to respond to new challenges, and are scheduled to receive even more training in the coming weeks and months,"said an email attributed to Friesen."We will continue to monitor the scope of training HSC security officers receive in order to keep patients, visitors and staff safe."

With files from Alana Cole